Flea-flicker

What is the Definition of Flea-Flicker in American Football?

The flea-flicker is an unconventional and exciting play in American football, known for its ability to deceive the defense and create opportunities for big gains. As an extreme variant of the play action pass and an extension of the halfback option play, the flea-flicker is designed to trick the opposing team into thinking that the play is a run, only for it to turn into a pass at the last moment. Though high-risk and used infrequently, a well-executed flea-flicker can result in game-changing moments.

At its core, the flea-flicker starts with the quarterback handing the ball off to the running back, who then approaches the line of scrimmage as if attempting a regular running play. The trick comes when the running back flips the ball back to the quarterback, allowing them to throw a deep pass downfield. When executed correctly, the defense, including the secondary, will have been drawn in to defend the run, leaving them out of position to cover the pass.

Although the flea-flicker has been around for decades, it continues to provide thrilling moments in football due to its surprise factor and potential for game-changing plays. Coaches and players alike must be strategic about when and how to incorporate the flea-flicker into their offensive arsenal.

Key Takeaways

• The flea-flicker is a high-risk, trick play designed to deceive the defense, making them believe it’s a run play that turns into a pass.
• This play begins with the quarterback handing the ball to the running back, who then flips it back for the quarterback to potentially throw a deep pass.
• Despite its unpredictable nature, the flea-flicker can create game-changing moments when executed successfully.

Flea-Flicker Fundamentals

The flea-flicker is a trick play in American football, designed to deceive the defensive team by initially appearing as a run play, only to transform into a pass play. The goal of this play is to catch the defense off guard, allowing the offense to make a substantial gain or score a touchdown.

This unorthodox play begins with the quarterback (QB) handing the ball off to the running back (RB), who approaches the line of scrimmage as if they were executing a typical running play. However, instead of advancing forward, the RB laterals the ball back to the awaiting QB. As the defensive team responds to the apparent run, the QB has an opportunity to throw the ball downfield to a wide receiver, who may be left open as a result of the defense’s focus on the run.

The flea-flicker relies on the offensive team’s ability to effectively set up the play through consistent running plays beforehand. By repeatedly running the ball, the offense lulls the defense into anticipating another run, making them more susceptible to the fake. Similarly, the QB and RB must execute the handoff and lateral with precision, maintaining the illusion of a run for as long as possible.

Although the flea-flicker is an exciting and notable trick play, it carries inherent risks. Due to the extended time it takes to develop, the QB can be left vulnerable to defensive pressure. Additionally, if the defense reads the play correctly, they may intercept the pass or force an incomplete throw.

In conclusion, the flea-flicker is an unexpected and entertaining play in American football that aims to deceive the defense and create an opportunity for a significant gain. When executed properly, it can result in exciting and memorable plays; however, its success relies on precise timing, player coordination, and the element of surprise.

History of the Flea-Flicker

The flea-flicker is an American Football trick play designed to strategically catch the defense off guard. Its origins can be traced back to the 1925 game between Illinois and Penn when Illinois coach Bob Zuppke invented the play. It was first executed as a fake field goal by players Earl Britton, Red Grange, and Chuck Kassel, in which Britton lined up as a kicker and Grange as a holder.

Today, the flea-flicker is known as a play that starts with a handoff to the running back, who then laterals the ball back to the quarterback. The quarterback waits for an opportunity to throw the ball downfield, usually to a wide-open receiver. The goal of this play is to deceive the defensive line by establishing the illusion of a running play, only to surprise them with a quick pass.

Over the years, flea-flicker plays have found success in critical game situations, often resulting in long touchdown scores. By employing this tactic, offenses aim to exploit a defense that may have become too focused on stopping the run. It is important to note that timing and precision are crucial for the successful execution of a flea-flicker, as any miscommunication or hesitation can lead to a loss of yardage or a turnover.

In conclusion, the flea-flicker has been a staple of American Football since its inception nearly a century ago. Despite being regarded as a high-risk, high-reward play, it continues to be employed by coaches and teams seeking an element of surprise to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. With its combination of deception, skill, and opportunity, the flea-flicker remains an exciting and iconic part of football history.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros of Flea-Flicker

• Confusing Defensive Backs: The biggest advantage of a flea-flicker is its ability to confuse the opposing team’s defensive backs. These players have different responsibilities in run and pass plays. By starting as a run and transitioning to a pass, the flea-flicker can catch the defense off-guard and result in significant gains.
• Big Play Potential: The flea-flicker is a high-risk, high-reward play that can create game-changing situations. As the defensive team focuses on stopping the run, it leaves the field open for the offense to attempt a deep pass, often resulting in significant yardage or even a touchdown.

Cons of Flea-Flicker

• High Risk: The flea-flicker is a risky play, as it requires precise execution from the quarterback, running back, and wide receivers. If the defense anticipates the trick play, it can lead to negative yardage or even a turnover.
• Rarely Used: Due to its high-risk nature, teams often reserve the flea-flicker for specific situations or as a surprise element. As a result, defenses can quickly adapt to it if used too frequently.
• Potential for Mistakes: The complexity of the flea-flicker leaves room for errors, such as fumbles or missed passes, increasing the likelihood of turnovers or lost yardage.

Famous Flea-Flicker Plays

The flea-flicker is a well-known trick play in American football, aimed at catching the defense off guard. Over the years, there have been several memorable flea-flicker plays that have left spectators in awe.

One of the most famous flea-flicker plays in college football history took place in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl between Boise State and Oklahoma. Known as the “Statue of Liberty play,” Boise State brilliantly executed a flea-flicker that helped secure their victory in a thrilling overtime finish.

During the 2001 NFL season, the New England Patriots used the flea-flicker to their advantage in their match against the Indianapolis Colts. Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady lateraled the ball to wide receiver David Patten, who then threw a perfect deep pass to receiver Troy Brown for a touchdown. This play was instrumental in the Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning season.

Another notable example occurred in a 2018 game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings. Nick Foles handed the ball off to running back Corey Clement, who then pitched it back to tight end Trey Burton. Burton proceeded to throw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Foles, making it the first time a quarterback caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowl history. This play, known as the “Philly Special,” helped the Eagles secure their first Super Bowl victory.

The flea-flicker has been a part of football history for many decades and has resulted in numerous unforgettable moments. These selected examples serve as a testament to the ingenuity and excitement that the flea-flicker play can bring to the game, showcasing its ability to turn the tide and make history.

Variations of the Flea-Flicker

The flea-flicker is an unorthodox play in American football, designed to deceive the defensive team into thinking that the play is a run instead of a pass¹. There are various ways to execute this trick play, and the following paragraphs provide an overview of some popular variations.

Lateral Flea-Flicker: In this variation, the quarterback hands off the ball to the running back, who then laterals it back to the quarterback. The quarterback waits for a receiver to get open downfield and throws a pass. This play aims to catch the defense off guard and create open passing lanes by capitalizing on the defense’s focus on the initial run action.

Double Handoff Flea-Flicker: This variation involves two handoffs before the flea-flicker action. The quarterback hands off the ball to a running back, who then hands it off to another running back or wide receiver coming around. The second ball carrier laterals the ball back to the quarterback, who then looks for an open receiver downfield to complete the pass.

Reverse Flea-Flicker: This version combines the flea-flicker with a reverse play. The quarterback hands off the ball to a running back, who then tosses it to a wide receiver or another running back executing a reverse. As the second player moves towards the opposite side of the field, they lateral the ball back to the quarterback, who then throws it downfield to a receiver.

Halfback Option Flea-Flicker: In the halfback option flea-flicker, the running back does not lateral the ball back to the quarterback immediately. Instead, they give the impression of running a standard halfback option play – where the running back has the option to run or pass. When the defense converges on the running back, they lateral the ball back to the quarterback, who then throws a pass downfield.

These are just a few variations of the flea-flicker play, each designed to deceive the defense and create opportunities for a successful pass completion. The key to executing these plays effectively is precise timing and well-rehearsed coordination between the quarterback, running back, and receivers.

Conclusion

A flea flicker in American Football is an unorthodox and trick play designed to deceive the defensive team. It starts out as a run play but quickly turns into a pass, catching the defense off guard. This play can be considered an extreme variant of the play action pass and an extension of the halfback option play.

The flea flicker involves the quarterback handing the ball off to the running back, who then approaches the line of scrimmage as if executing a standard running play. Shortly after, the running back tosses the ball back to the quarterback, who then attempts a deep pass downfield. The objective is to create confusion among the defensive players and potentially achieve a significant gain in yardage.

The play is a high-risk, high-reward strategy because it requires precise execution and timing from the offensive team. If successful, the flea flicker can result in a big play that shifts the momentum of the game. However, if not properly executed, the play can lead to negative yardage or a possible turnover.

In summary, the flea flicker is an unconventional play in American Football that uses misdirection and deception to surprise the opposing defensive team. While it carries inherent risks, it can be a valuable tool for offensive coordinators in the right situation, keeping their opponents on their toes and creating exciting moments in the game.